PCGS Nos: 4319, 4409

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 1,069,150
Proofs: estimated 10

Designer: Obverse by Thomas Sully, executed by Christian Gobrecht; Reverse by Christian Gobrecht

Diameter: ±15.9 millimeters

Metal content:
Silver - 90%
Other - 10%

Weight: ±20.6 grains (±1.3 grams)

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: None (for Philadelphia, PA) below DIME on the reverse

Significant examples:
NGC Proof-64.  Ex - Auctions by Bowers & Merena, Inc.'s June 2000 sale, Lot 423 - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles "The Fairchild Family Trust Collection" Sale, May 28-30, 2001, Lot 472, illustrated, sold for $24,150.00,  where it was described as follows: "1839. NGC graded Proof 64. This is an incredibly beautiful and ultra rare example of this early proof issue. We were able to track it down to the Bowers and Merena sale of June, 2000. Prior to that, this coin hadn't been offered in over 110 years! Toned with shades of ocean deep blue with hints of lighter gold around the periphery. Naturally, the strike is intense, with no signs of weakness anywhere to be found. Breen estimates that 4 are known, which is probably about right, as 4 have been graded by the services (NGC has graded 3 as PF-64, and PCGS has graded 1 as PR-65). This particular coin was not recorded by Breen, as it hadn't turned up in his lifetime or recently enough to trace.  Bowers notes that this coin was purchased by an attorney from Vicksburg, Mississippi from a Chapman Brothers sale in the 1890s, and held in that collection until it was sold in June 2000. Certain to be the highlight of any early proof collection.  The 39 in the date is repunched, as noted in Breen."

Recent appearances:
PCGS MS-66.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "The California Sale", October 2-3, 2000, Lot 1625, "No Drapery"

NGC MS-66.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Rarities Sale", January 3, 2001, Lot 130, illustrated, sold for $2,300.00

Gem Brilliant Uncirculated.  Ex - Stack's "65th Anniversary Sale", October 17-19, 2000, Lot 430, plated,  sold for $862.50  Ex Stack's section of Auction '79, July 1979, lot 547

PCGS MS-63.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Philadelphia 2000 Signature Sale", August 6-7, 2000, Lot 6829, "No Drapery", not illustrated, sold for $258.75

Choice Brilliant Uncirculated.  Ex - Stack's "The University of Notre Dame Sale", March 20-21, 2001, Lot 286, plated, sold for $253.00

Choice Brilliant Uncirculated.  Ex - Stack's "The University of Notre Dame Sale", March 20-21, 2001, Lot 287, not plated, sold for $460.00

Notes:
The finest Uncirculated examples graded by PCGS are 5 MS-67's.

The finest Proof example graded by PCGS is a single PR-65.

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"The PCGS Population Report, October 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service